SERVICE PLAYS FOR WEDNESDAY 12/12
- Thread starter Bootlegbobby
- Start date
POINTWISE
NBA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
(7:05) Minnesota Timberwolves 97 - PHILADELPHIA 94
(7:05) TORONTO RAPTORS 118 - Dallas Mavericks 113
(7:05) INDIANA PACERS 91 - Chicago Bulls 89
(7:05) Los Angeles Clippers 96 - CHARLOTTE 'CATS 90
(7:35) BOSTON CELTICS 118 - Sacramento Kings 104
(7:35) Seattle Supersonics 91 - NEW YORK KNICKS 90
(8:05) HOUSTON ROCKETS 106 - Detroit 91 (ESPN)
(8:05) Orlando Magic 103 - MILWAUKEE BUCKS 102
(9:05) DENVER NUGGETS 96 - New Orleans Hornets 94
(10:05) PORTLAND BLAZERS 93 - Golden St Warriors 89
(10:35) PHOENIX SUNS 109 - Utah Jazz 100 (ESPN)
BEST BETS: TORONTO, HOUSTON, NEW ORLEANS
NCAAB
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
(7:00) PENN STATE 75 - Princeton 57 (ESPNU)
(8:00) MARYLAND 68 - Ohio U 66
(8:00) Wisconsin 73 - WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE 60
(8:00) XAVIER 81 - Cincinnati 59
(8:00) DEPAUL 77 - Vanderbilt 75
(9:00) BOSTON COLLEGE 90 - UMass 89 (ESPNU)
(9:00) COLORADO 76 - New Orleans 73
(10:00) NEVADA 71 - San Diego 66
(10:00) SANTA CLARA 65 - Pacific 54
ADDED GAME
(10:00) PORTLAND STATE 67 - Cal-Poly SLO 66
BEST BETS: PENN STATE, OHIO U, WISCONSIN, SANTA CLARA
NBA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
(7:05) Minnesota Timberwolves 97 - PHILADELPHIA 94
(7:05) TORONTO RAPTORS 118 - Dallas Mavericks 113
(7:05) INDIANA PACERS 91 - Chicago Bulls 89
(7:05) Los Angeles Clippers 96 - CHARLOTTE 'CATS 90
(7:35) BOSTON CELTICS 118 - Sacramento Kings 104
(7:35) Seattle Supersonics 91 - NEW YORK KNICKS 90
(8:05) HOUSTON ROCKETS 106 - Detroit 91 (ESPN)
(8:05) Orlando Magic 103 - MILWAUKEE BUCKS 102
(9:05) DENVER NUGGETS 96 - New Orleans Hornets 94
(10:05) PORTLAND BLAZERS 93 - Golden St Warriors 89
(10:35) PHOENIX SUNS 109 - Utah Jazz 100 (ESPN)
BEST BETS: TORONTO, HOUSTON, NEW ORLEANS
NCAAB
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
(7:00) PENN STATE 75 - Princeton 57 (ESPNU)
(8:00) MARYLAND 68 - Ohio U 66
(8:00) Wisconsin 73 - WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE 60
(8:00) XAVIER 81 - Cincinnati 59
(8:00) DEPAUL 77 - Vanderbilt 75
(9:00) BOSTON COLLEGE 90 - UMass 89 (ESPNU)
(9:00) COLORADO 76 - New Orleans 73
(10:00) NEVADA 71 - San Diego 66
(10:00) SANTA CLARA 65 - Pacific 54
ADDED GAME
(10:00) PORTLAND STATE 67 - Cal-Poly SLO 66
BEST BETS: PENN STATE, OHIO U, WISCONSIN, SANTA CLARA
Ben Burns NHL GAME OF THE WEEK
ATLANTA THRASHERS
Game: Boston Bruins vs. Atlanta Thrashers Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:05:00 PM Prediction: Atlanta Thrashers Reason: I'm laying the price with ATLANTA. The Bruins still have the better record. However, thats only due to the Thrashers getting off to a terrible start. They've been quickly steadily catching the Bruins in the standings over the past month and its only a matter of time before they overtake them. The Thrashers have dominated this series, going a perfect 6-0 the last six series meetings, outscoring them 13-7 in the three games here. Catching the Bruins playing the third game of a 3-game road trip and with their backup goalie in net, look for the Thrashers to continue their series dominance, as they climb back above the 500 mark. *Game of the Week
ATLANTA THRASHERS
Game: Boston Bruins vs. Atlanta Thrashers Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:05:00 PM Prediction: Atlanta Thrashers Reason: I'm laying the price with ATLANTA. The Bruins still have the better record. However, thats only due to the Thrashers getting off to a terrible start. They've been quickly steadily catching the Bruins in the standings over the past month and its only a matter of time before they overtake them. The Thrashers have dominated this series, going a perfect 6-0 the last six series meetings, outscoring them 13-7 in the three games here. Catching the Bruins playing the third game of a 3-game road trip and with their backup goalie in net, look for the Thrashers to continue their series dominance, as they climb back above the 500 mark. *Game of the Week
Ben Burns COLLEGE HOOPS BEST BET
CAL POLY (+7 or better)
Game: Cal Poly SLO vs. Portland State Game Time: 12/12/2007 10:00:00 PM Prediction: Cal Poly SLO Reason: I'm taking the points with CAL POLY. I like this Vikings team and won with them in their last game, as they covered vs. a good Washington State game. However, I feel that this will be an extremely difficult spot. Not only are the Vikings coming off a hard fought loss vs. a ranked team but they also have a road game against another national powerhouse from the Pacific-Northwest (Washington) on deck. The fact that the Huskies won by 32 points at Portland State last season will help make it easy for the Vikings to overlook lowly Cal Poly. That will be a mistake though as the Mustangs are better than they're being given credit for. Since dropping their first two games, the Mustangs have gone 4-2 their last six, including wins against teams from the WAC (Utah State) and the MAC (Northern Illinois) Conferences. Note that the Mustangs won 10 of their final 12 games last season and that they got extra playing time during the offseason by making a trip to Australia. Trae Clark and Dawin Whiten return in the backcourt. Clark was fourth in the Big West a year ago at 3.7 assists per game, while Whiten will end his career as one of the most proficient three-point shooters in league history. Meanwhile, returning forwards Titus Shelton and Dreshawn Vance form a fairly imposing defense in the paint. While they don't have any single dominant scorer, overall, the balanced Mustangs currently have seven players averaging greater than six points per game. The Mustangs had trouble scoring in a loss at Northern Arizona last time out. However, we find them at an impressive 11-2 ATS since 2005 when coming off a game in which they scored 60 points or less. During that stretch, the Mustangs were a profitable 18-7 ATS when facing a team with a winning record, 26-13 ATS when listed as an underdog and 38-18 ATS overall. The Mustangs won 92-87 when these teams faced each other last season. Look for them to give the Vikings all they can handle once again this year.
CAL POLY (+7 or better)
Game: Cal Poly SLO vs. Portland State Game Time: 12/12/2007 10:00:00 PM Prediction: Cal Poly SLO Reason: I'm taking the points with CAL POLY. I like this Vikings team and won with them in their last game, as they covered vs. a good Washington State game. However, I feel that this will be an extremely difficult spot. Not only are the Vikings coming off a hard fought loss vs. a ranked team but they also have a road game against another national powerhouse from the Pacific-Northwest (Washington) on deck. The fact that the Huskies won by 32 points at Portland State last season will help make it easy for the Vikings to overlook lowly Cal Poly. That will be a mistake though as the Mustangs are better than they're being given credit for. Since dropping their first two games, the Mustangs have gone 4-2 their last six, including wins against teams from the WAC (Utah State) and the MAC (Northern Illinois) Conferences. Note that the Mustangs won 10 of their final 12 games last season and that they got extra playing time during the offseason by making a trip to Australia. Trae Clark and Dawin Whiten return in the backcourt. Clark was fourth in the Big West a year ago at 3.7 assists per game, while Whiten will end his career as one of the most proficient three-point shooters in league history. Meanwhile, returning forwards Titus Shelton and Dreshawn Vance form a fairly imposing defense in the paint. While they don't have any single dominant scorer, overall, the balanced Mustangs currently have seven players averaging greater than six points per game. The Mustangs had trouble scoring in a loss at Northern Arizona last time out. However, we find them at an impressive 11-2 ATS since 2005 when coming off a game in which they scored 60 points or less. During that stretch, the Mustangs were a profitable 18-7 ATS when facing a team with a winning record, 26-13 ATS when listed as an underdog and 38-18 ATS overall. The Mustangs won 92-87 when these teams faced each other last season. Look for them to give the Vikings all they can handle once again this year.
BEN BURNS NBA
*Non Conference Total of the Month
UNDER celts/kings (188 or better)
Game: Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:35:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Kings and Celtics to finish UNDER the total. The Celtics have played exceptional defense at home this season, allowing a mere 80.8 points per game. Not surprisingly, the UNDER has gone a profitable 7-2-1 in their 10 games here. Its also worth noting that the Celts have seen the UNDER go 15-3-1 the last 19 times they were favored by greater than eight points. I expect the Celtics, who have held five of their last six opponents below 90 points, to dominate defensively again as they'll be facing a Sacramento squad without its top scorer (Martin) and without its top two scorers (Bibby, Martin) from last season. Even against "regular" defenses AND with Martin in the lineup, the Kings have gone 0-8 on the road while averaging just 95 points. Note that the Kings have seen each of their last three games stay below the number and that their last two road games (Denver, Portland) have stayed below the number by a combined 49 points. Looking at the series history and we find that the UNDER is a perfect 8-0 in eight meetings here at Boston this millennium. I'm expecting those numbers to improve this evening as the UNDER moves to 5-1-1 when the Celts have faced a team with a losing record.
*Blue Chip
UNDER raptors/mavs (196 or better)
Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:05:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Raptors and Mavericks to finish UNDER the total. The Raptors played well offensively in last night's win at Atlanta. However, much of the offense (26 points) was provided by T.J. Ford and he went down hard with an injury late in the fourth quarter. I highly doubt that he'll play tonight as he stayed down a long time and was expected to remain in the hospital overnight. That means Jose Calderon should get a lot of playing time at point guard. Calderon is also a capable player who can score and run the floor, when necessary. However, he also has a tendency to slow things down significantly more than Ford, who ranks second on the team in scoring. I expect that to have an effect on the tempo of tonight's game and for it to be played at a significantly slower pace than it would have if the Raptors hadn't played last night and/or if Ford was in the lineup. Note that the UNDER is 3-1 the last four times the Raptors played the second of back to back games and 10-7 in 17 times in that situation in 2007. The last time that the Raptors played a home game, after having played the previous day, was on 11/25 and they combined with the Bulls for just 171 points. Including that result, the Raptors have seen the UNDER go 6-1 their last seven home games overall. Meanwhile, the Mavs have seen each of their last two road games stay below the total bringing the UNDER to 12-7 their last 19 on the road. Although the Mavs won and covered their last game, Coach Avery Johnson was unhappy with his team's defensive performance in the second half as they allowed the Knicks to creep back in the game. He made a big deal about it and I expect the team to respond with a strong effort on that side of that ball for the entire game tonight. Look for the UNDER to improve to 52-33-4 the last 99 times the Mavs were listed as road favorites in the -3.5 to -6 point range.
*Personal Favorite
KNICKS (-6 or better)
Game: Seattle SuperSonics vs. New York Knicks Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:35:00 PM Prediction: New York Knicks Reason: I'm laying the points with NEW YORK. After three straight double-digit losses, the Knicks could badly use a victory. Tonight's guests should provide the perfect opportunity. While the Knicks had yesterday off, the Sonics played an up-tempo game at Chicago yesterday and are now playing in their different city in the past four days. Note that the Sonics gave up 126 points yesterday and that they allowed Chicago to convert 53.7 percent of its field goals. One might think that because they're a younger team, the back to back situation wouldn't bother the Sonics so much. However, in my opinion, getting ready to play the second of back to back games is often as much mental as it is physical. Consequently, young teams often struggle in that situation just as much as older teams, often more. The young Atlanta Hawks were a perfect example last night. The Hawks had been rolling along but put them in the back to back spot and they played poorly, falling to 0-2 SU/ATS in that situation this month and 6-14 SU / 7-13 ATS their last 20. Likewise, the young Sonics are also 0-2 SU/ATS over the past three weeks when playing the second of back to back games. Both losses came by 16 points, 110-94 vs. Orlando and 100-84 at Charlotte. Looking back further and we find the Sonics are just 6-14 the last 20 times that they played the second of back to back games. Note that 13 of those 14 losses came by four points or greater. The Sonics managed to sneak out a one-point win here last March. However, the Knicks remain a healthy 7-2 SU/ATS the last nine meetings here overall. Look for them to resume that homecourt series dominance with a much-needed win and cover in front of the home fans.
*Non Conference Total of the Month
UNDER celts/kings (188 or better)
Game: Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:35:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Kings and Celtics to finish UNDER the total. The Celtics have played exceptional defense at home this season, allowing a mere 80.8 points per game. Not surprisingly, the UNDER has gone a profitable 7-2-1 in their 10 games here. Its also worth noting that the Celts have seen the UNDER go 15-3-1 the last 19 times they were favored by greater than eight points. I expect the Celtics, who have held five of their last six opponents below 90 points, to dominate defensively again as they'll be facing a Sacramento squad without its top scorer (Martin) and without its top two scorers (Bibby, Martin) from last season. Even against "regular" defenses AND with Martin in the lineup, the Kings have gone 0-8 on the road while averaging just 95 points. Note that the Kings have seen each of their last three games stay below the number and that their last two road games (Denver, Portland) have stayed below the number by a combined 49 points. Looking at the series history and we find that the UNDER is a perfect 8-0 in eight meetings here at Boston this millennium. I'm expecting those numbers to improve this evening as the UNDER moves to 5-1-1 when the Celts have faced a team with a losing record.
*Blue Chip
UNDER raptors/mavs (196 or better)
Game: Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:05:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Raptors and Mavericks to finish UNDER the total. The Raptors played well offensively in last night's win at Atlanta. However, much of the offense (26 points) was provided by T.J. Ford and he went down hard with an injury late in the fourth quarter. I highly doubt that he'll play tonight as he stayed down a long time and was expected to remain in the hospital overnight. That means Jose Calderon should get a lot of playing time at point guard. Calderon is also a capable player who can score and run the floor, when necessary. However, he also has a tendency to slow things down significantly more than Ford, who ranks second on the team in scoring. I expect that to have an effect on the tempo of tonight's game and for it to be played at a significantly slower pace than it would have if the Raptors hadn't played last night and/or if Ford was in the lineup. Note that the UNDER is 3-1 the last four times the Raptors played the second of back to back games and 10-7 in 17 times in that situation in 2007. The last time that the Raptors played a home game, after having played the previous day, was on 11/25 and they combined with the Bulls for just 171 points. Including that result, the Raptors have seen the UNDER go 6-1 their last seven home games overall. Meanwhile, the Mavs have seen each of their last two road games stay below the total bringing the UNDER to 12-7 their last 19 on the road. Although the Mavs won and covered their last game, Coach Avery Johnson was unhappy with his team's defensive performance in the second half as they allowed the Knicks to creep back in the game. He made a big deal about it and I expect the team to respond with a strong effort on that side of that ball for the entire game tonight. Look for the UNDER to improve to 52-33-4 the last 99 times the Mavs were listed as road favorites in the -3.5 to -6 point range.
*Personal Favorite
KNICKS (-6 or better)
Game: Seattle SuperSonics vs. New York Knicks Game Time: 12/12/2007 7:35:00 PM Prediction: New York Knicks Reason: I'm laying the points with NEW YORK. After three straight double-digit losses, the Knicks could badly use a victory. Tonight's guests should provide the perfect opportunity. While the Knicks had yesterday off, the Sonics played an up-tempo game at Chicago yesterday and are now playing in their different city in the past four days. Note that the Sonics gave up 126 points yesterday and that they allowed Chicago to convert 53.7 percent of its field goals. One might think that because they're a younger team, the back to back situation wouldn't bother the Sonics so much. However, in my opinion, getting ready to play the second of back to back games is often as much mental as it is physical. Consequently, young teams often struggle in that situation just as much as older teams, often more. The young Atlanta Hawks were a perfect example last night. The Hawks had been rolling along but put them in the back to back spot and they played poorly, falling to 0-2 SU/ATS in that situation this month and 6-14 SU / 7-13 ATS their last 20. Likewise, the young Sonics are also 0-2 SU/ATS over the past three weeks when playing the second of back to back games. Both losses came by 16 points, 110-94 vs. Orlando and 100-84 at Charlotte. Looking back further and we find the Sonics are just 6-14 the last 20 times that they played the second of back to back games. Note that 13 of those 14 losses came by four points or greater. The Sonics managed to sneak out a one-point win here last March. However, the Knicks remain a healthy 7-2 SU/ATS the last nine meetings here overall. Look for them to resume that homecourt series dominance with a much-needed win and cover in front of the home fans.
NORTHSTAR SPORTS SERVICE
CBB- 12/12/07 VANDERBILT -3-
CBB- 12/12/07 CAL POLY SLO +7-
NHL- 12/12/07 BEST BET! COLORADO +110
NHL- 12/12/07 RANGERS/WASHINGTON OVER 5
CBB- 12/12/07 VANDERBILT -3-
CBB- 12/12/07 CAL POLY SLO +7-
NHL- 12/12/07 BEST BET! COLORADO +110
NHL- 12/12/07 RANGERS/WASHINGTON OVER 5
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GOLD SHEET
NBA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
PHILADELPHIA 99 - Minnesota 90
This figures to be a rare chalk opportunity
for Philly, which had covered 2 of first 3 in role theDec. 2. Meanwhile, Minnesota
played last night in Washington and has dropped first four playing 2nd of back
to-back games. 06-Min +2 95-84 (191), MIN -6' 104-102 (OT-188)
TORONTO 99 - Dallas 94
Dallas not providing a lot of value lately (1-8 vs.
line last 9 thru Dec. 2, and no covers last 4 as home chalk thru Dec. 5). Mavs
also had to scrap for 6-point win (and no cover) vs. Raptors Nov. 20 at American
Airlines Center, rallying from 24-point deficit before collaring Sam Mitchells
bunch. 07-DAL -8' 105-99 (197); 06-DAL -10' 117-98 (192), Dal -5 97-96 (193)
INDIANA 100 - Chicago 90
Chicagos slow start continues, especially on
road, where Bulls have lost and failed to cover last 4 and 7 of 8 thru Dec. 4. Both
teams played last night, but Indiana (4-2) has performed much better vs. the
number than Chicago (0-3) when playing second of back-to-back games
(through Dec. 7). 06-CHI -6' 89-80 (187), CHI -11 106-91 (189), IND -1' 98-91
(192), Chi -2 92-90 (183)
CHARLOTTE 104 - LA Clippers 94
Need some good reasons to back
Clippers (1-10 vs. line last 11 thru Dec. 3) these days, especially against
Charlotte bunch thats covered 6 of last 7 as host thru Dec. 4. Rested Bobcats
could take advantage of unrested Clippers coming off a game in New Jersey
last night. 06-LA -9' 100-93 (192), La -2' 102-93 (194)
BOSTON 103 - Sacramento 83
Boston taking a lot of names this season as
it avenges lots of losses by previous editions, including last years Celtics team
that lost both tries vs. Sacto. Doc Rivers bunch now 7-2 vs. line as TD Banknorth
Garden chalk thru Dec. 6, while Kings 1-6 vs. number away thru Dec. 7. NBA teams
laying more than 9 points at home are 24-15 vs. the number through Dec. 2. 06-
Sac -4 96-91 (195), SAC -6 104-101 (203)
NEW YORK 104 - Seattle 93
Isiah Thomas and arguably dysfunctional
Knicks should get rare chance in favorites role vs. Seattle, but note N.Y. had
failed to cover first 3 as chalk this season thru Dec. 6. Note Seattle rookie Kevin
Durant shooting just 33% when playing the 2nd of back-to-back games, and the
Sonics played in Chicago yesterday. 06-Ny +5 111-93 (201), Sea +2 100-99 (197)
Detroit 101 - HOUSTON 98
Detroit is playing its best ball of season as HC
Flip Saunders team has returned to health. Pistons routed Cleveland,
Milwaukee & New Jersey in last 3 games through Dec. 3 by an average score
of 115-87. Houston presents a formidable opponent, but favor Piston balance
over the Rockets Yao-McGrady 1-2 punch. 06-DET -1 104-92 (182), HOU -3'
91-85 (182) CABLE TV ESPN
Orlando 104 - MILWAUKEE 95
Hot Orlando might have been sending out
warning shot to rest of league when it buried Milwaukee by 19 on opening night.
Magic certainly spooked Bucks in that Halloween romp by hitting 12 of 22
beyond arc, and Rashard Lewis made emphatic Orlando debut when scoring
26. Magic 16-3 vs. line thru Dec. 2, and the Lewis-Howard combination looks
deadly after a month. 07-ORL -7 102-83 (199); 06-ORL -8' 98-73 (194), MIL +1 116-
111 (191), ORL -5' 99-81 (200), Orl -6 117-94 (199)
DENVER 106 - New Orleans 105
New Orleans gave an early hint of its
improved defense in 93-88 win over Denver at New Orleans Arena Nov. 4.
Hornets held A.I. and Carmelo to combined 16-49 FGs and prevailed with
balanced scoring (6 in double digits). N.O. solid 7-3 vs. line first 10 on the road.
07-No +5' 93-88 (214); 06-NO +3' 99-89 (199), No +5' 114-112 (OT-202), DEN
-6' 106-91 (207), Den +1' 107-105 (206)
Golden St. 111 - PORTLAND 101
These two have been headed in opposite
directions past few weeks, Portland dropping 9 of last 10 vs. number (and 6 of
last 7 as dog) thru Dec. 2, while Golden State has won 9 of last 10 (8-2 vs. line)
thru Dec. 2. 06-GS -9 102-89 (207), PORT -1' 106-87 (208), Gs -10' 120-98 (214)
PHOENIX 114 - Utah 112
Utah more than held its own vs. Phoenix last
season, beating Suns 3 of 4, including a pair of upset wins in desert. Look for
Jazz to go uptempo with Phoenix, as it did in each game last season (3 of 4 were
?overs?). 06-Utah +7 108-104 (211), UTAH -4' 120-117 (OT-212), Utah +11'
108-105 (218), Pho -3 126-98 (211) TV?ESPN
NCAAB
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
PENN ST. 52 - Princeton 49
Ivy sources report Pete Carril disciple Sydney
Johnson doing a pretty good job replicating unique style of The Master? for this years
Princeton bunch, which hasnt embarrassed itself under its new coach vs. top-level
competition in early going. Don?t think Penn State qualifies at that level, especially with
F Cornley in and out of lineup with bruised knee, putting too much scoring burden on
G Claxton. 06-DNP
MARYLAND over Ohio by 10 to 13
06-DNP
Wisconsin over WIS.-MILWAUKEE by 14 to 17 06-WIS -22 68-49
XAVIER 78 - Cincinnati 56
Payback time for high-flying Xavier bunch that?s
itching to atone for upset loss vs. crosstown rival Cincy last season. Bearcats still dont
have depth or manpower to properly implement HC Cronins preferred uptempo style,
so big firepower edge to Musketeers, with 6 scoring in DDs during first few weeks
including handy win over explosive Indiana). 06-CINCY +5 67-57
DEPAUL over Vanderbilt by 1 to 2
Interesting matchup between a pair of highlytouted
frosh big (Jerry Wainwrights 6-10 C Koshwal, and Kevin Stallings 76-10
Aussie Ogilvy). erry 06-DNP
BOSTON COLLEGE over Massachusetts by 6 to 8 06-Bc +3 84-73
06-Bc +3 84-73
New Orleans over COLORADO by 1 to 2 06-DNP
NEVADA over San Diego by 7 to 10 06-DNP
SANTA CLARA over Pacific by 11 to 14 06-Scu +4 67-49
NBA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
PHILADELPHIA 99 - Minnesota 90
This figures to be a rare chalk opportunity
for Philly, which had covered 2 of first 3 in role theDec. 2. Meanwhile, Minnesota
played last night in Washington and has dropped first four playing 2nd of back
to-back games. 06-Min +2 95-84 (191), MIN -6' 104-102 (OT-188)
TORONTO 99 - Dallas 94
Dallas not providing a lot of value lately (1-8 vs.
line last 9 thru Dec. 2, and no covers last 4 as home chalk thru Dec. 5). Mavs
also had to scrap for 6-point win (and no cover) vs. Raptors Nov. 20 at American
Airlines Center, rallying from 24-point deficit before collaring Sam Mitchells
bunch. 07-DAL -8' 105-99 (197); 06-DAL -10' 117-98 (192), Dal -5 97-96 (193)
INDIANA 100 - Chicago 90
Chicagos slow start continues, especially on
road, where Bulls have lost and failed to cover last 4 and 7 of 8 thru Dec. 4. Both
teams played last night, but Indiana (4-2) has performed much better vs. the
number than Chicago (0-3) when playing second of back-to-back games
(through Dec. 7). 06-CHI -6' 89-80 (187), CHI -11 106-91 (189), IND -1' 98-91
(192), Chi -2 92-90 (183)
CHARLOTTE 104 - LA Clippers 94
Need some good reasons to back
Clippers (1-10 vs. line last 11 thru Dec. 3) these days, especially against
Charlotte bunch thats covered 6 of last 7 as host thru Dec. 4. Rested Bobcats
could take advantage of unrested Clippers coming off a game in New Jersey
last night. 06-LA -9' 100-93 (192), La -2' 102-93 (194)
BOSTON 103 - Sacramento 83
Boston taking a lot of names this season as
it avenges lots of losses by previous editions, including last years Celtics team
that lost both tries vs. Sacto. Doc Rivers bunch now 7-2 vs. line as TD Banknorth
Garden chalk thru Dec. 6, while Kings 1-6 vs. number away thru Dec. 7. NBA teams
laying more than 9 points at home are 24-15 vs. the number through Dec. 2. 06-
Sac -4 96-91 (195), SAC -6 104-101 (203)
NEW YORK 104 - Seattle 93
Isiah Thomas and arguably dysfunctional
Knicks should get rare chance in favorites role vs. Seattle, but note N.Y. had
failed to cover first 3 as chalk this season thru Dec. 6. Note Seattle rookie Kevin
Durant shooting just 33% when playing the 2nd of back-to-back games, and the
Sonics played in Chicago yesterday. 06-Ny +5 111-93 (201), Sea +2 100-99 (197)
Detroit 101 - HOUSTON 98
Detroit is playing its best ball of season as HC
Flip Saunders team has returned to health. Pistons routed Cleveland,
Milwaukee & New Jersey in last 3 games through Dec. 3 by an average score
of 115-87. Houston presents a formidable opponent, but favor Piston balance
over the Rockets Yao-McGrady 1-2 punch. 06-DET -1 104-92 (182), HOU -3'
91-85 (182) CABLE TV ESPN
Orlando 104 - MILWAUKEE 95
Hot Orlando might have been sending out
warning shot to rest of league when it buried Milwaukee by 19 on opening night.
Magic certainly spooked Bucks in that Halloween romp by hitting 12 of 22
beyond arc, and Rashard Lewis made emphatic Orlando debut when scoring
26. Magic 16-3 vs. line thru Dec. 2, and the Lewis-Howard combination looks
deadly after a month. 07-ORL -7 102-83 (199); 06-ORL -8' 98-73 (194), MIL +1 116-
111 (191), ORL -5' 99-81 (200), Orl -6 117-94 (199)
DENVER 106 - New Orleans 105
New Orleans gave an early hint of its
improved defense in 93-88 win over Denver at New Orleans Arena Nov. 4.
Hornets held A.I. and Carmelo to combined 16-49 FGs and prevailed with
balanced scoring (6 in double digits). N.O. solid 7-3 vs. line first 10 on the road.
07-No +5' 93-88 (214); 06-NO +3' 99-89 (199), No +5' 114-112 (OT-202), DEN
-6' 106-91 (207), Den +1' 107-105 (206)
Golden St. 111 - PORTLAND 101
These two have been headed in opposite
directions past few weeks, Portland dropping 9 of last 10 vs. number (and 6 of
last 7 as dog) thru Dec. 2, while Golden State has won 9 of last 10 (8-2 vs. line)
thru Dec. 2. 06-GS -9 102-89 (207), PORT -1' 106-87 (208), Gs -10' 120-98 (214)
PHOENIX 114 - Utah 112
Utah more than held its own vs. Phoenix last
season, beating Suns 3 of 4, including a pair of upset wins in desert. Look for
Jazz to go uptempo with Phoenix, as it did in each game last season (3 of 4 were
?overs?). 06-Utah +7 108-104 (211), UTAH -4' 120-117 (OT-212), Utah +11'
108-105 (218), Pho -3 126-98 (211) TV?ESPN
NCAAB
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
PENN ST. 52 - Princeton 49
Ivy sources report Pete Carril disciple Sydney
Johnson doing a pretty good job replicating unique style of The Master? for this years
Princeton bunch, which hasnt embarrassed itself under its new coach vs. top-level
competition in early going. Don?t think Penn State qualifies at that level, especially with
F Cornley in and out of lineup with bruised knee, putting too much scoring burden on
G Claxton. 06-DNP
MARYLAND over Ohio by 10 to 13
06-DNP
Wisconsin over WIS.-MILWAUKEE by 14 to 17 06-WIS -22 68-49
XAVIER 78 - Cincinnati 56
Payback time for high-flying Xavier bunch that?s
itching to atone for upset loss vs. crosstown rival Cincy last season. Bearcats still dont
have depth or manpower to properly implement HC Cronins preferred uptempo style,
so big firepower edge to Musketeers, with 6 scoring in DDs during first few weeks
including handy win over explosive Indiana). 06-CINCY +5 67-57
DEPAUL over Vanderbilt by 1 to 2
Interesting matchup between a pair of highlytouted
frosh big (Jerry Wainwrights 6-10 C Koshwal, and Kevin Stallings 76-10
Aussie Ogilvy). erry 06-DNP
BOSTON COLLEGE over Massachusetts by 6 to 8 06-Bc +3 84-73
06-Bc +3 84-73
New Orleans over COLORADO by 1 to 2 06-DNP
NEVADA over San Diego by 7 to 10 06-DNP
SANTA CLARA over Pacific by 11 to 14 06-Scu +4 67-49
WINNING POINTS
NBA
Wednesday, December 12
*Philadelphia over Minnesota by 4
The 76ers were 10-4 to the under when favored entering this month.
PHILADELPHIA 91-87
Dallas over *Toronto by 6
Look for the Mavericks to play higher going into December. Avery Johnson has
dumped his strategy of starting offensively-challenged center DeSagana Diop and his
host of point guards in favor of going more with Erick Dampier, Jason Terry and making
sure Dirk Nowitzki gets his full minutes every game.
DALLAS 109-103
*Indiana over Chicago by 7
The Bulls had covered only one of their first eight road contests and were 0-3 ATS this
season in the second of back-to-backs through Dec. 7.
INDIANA 111-104
**PREFFERED
*Charlotte over Los Angeles Clippers 12
Charlotte last played three days ago, while the Clippers are playing their third game in
four nights and second in 48 hours. Without Elton Brand, the Clippers have trouble
matching up against Emeka Okafor on the boards. The Clippers entered December
dropping seven of their past nine.
CHARLOTTE 103-91
*Boston over Sacramento by 13
This is the start of a five-game, seven-night road trip for the Kings. The Kings only
had one day to prepare for this road swing. The good news for Sacramento is the competition
gets easier after this matchup.
BOSTON 103-90
*New York over Seattle by 3
The worst of the east meets the worst of the west. The Sonics at least can be counted
on for an effort. The Knicks cant be taken seriously until they get rid of Isiah Thomas.
NEW YORK 105-102
*Houston over Detroit by 5
Houston gets the scheduling advantage with Detroit having played last night, mostly
like in up-tempo matchup against the Grizzlies. It?s also Detroits third game in four
nights. No Eastern club played Western Conference teams tougher last year than the
Pistons.
HOUSTON 95-90
**PREFERRED
Orlando over *Milwaukee by 11
The Magic concluded the first month with the best road mark in the NBA at 9-2 SU
and 10-1 ATS with their only road losses coming to the Spurs and Suns. The emergence
of Dwight Howard as perhaps the best low-post player in the league as opened
up the perimeter for sharpshooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Jameer Nelson
has been playing at a high level at point guard, too.
ORLANDO 107-96
*Denver over New Orleans by 2
The Hornets concluded November winning eight of their 10 road contests. Chris Paul
is one of the few guards now quicker than Allen Iverson.
DENVER 105-103
*Portland over Golden State by 1
Both teams played last night so be aware of possible letdowns if the Warriors should
knock off the Spurs at home, or the Trail Blazers upset the Jazz on the road. LaMarcus
Aldridge continues to play at a high level for Portland.
PORTLAND 109-108
*Phoenix over Utah by 5
This could be the highest-scoring game of the season with two of the top four offenses
going at it. The Suns scored 126 points on Utah when the teams last met back in
mid-April. The Jazz had won the previous three meetings last season by a combined
10 points.
PHOENIX 122-117
NCAAB
Wednesday, December 12
Penn State* over Princeton by 10
Maryland* over Ohio by 8
ACC refs will no doubt target Ohios big man Leon Williams early, so the challenges
for the ball-scoring visitor will be to keep Maryland out of the paint chasing down
their own bricks, then make enough threes.
Wisconsin over Wisconsin-Milwaukee* by 15
Offensive question marks of the Badgers are offset by their strong defensive system and
good rebounding, plus weak offense on the home team.
WISCONSIN, 64-49
Xavier* over Cincinnati by 10
Vanderbilt over DePaul* by 5
Boston College* over Massachusetts by 2
Colorado* over New Orleans by 1
**PREFERRED
Nevada* over San Diego by 21
San Diego first-season head coach Bill Grier was a Nevada assistant when the
Wolfpack embarrassed the Zags in an NCAA Tournament ballgame and that experience
is worth zero with his current blah team facing a different Nevada coach and a
different group of Nevada players who are struggling to find themselves but might
have found the right opponent for a temporary fix. San Diego?s leading rebounder
Pomare, at 6-7, is looking up to 6-11 Javale McGee, 6-9 DeMarshay Johnson and 7-
1 David Ellis of the home team and the next-biggest San Diego boarder is a 6-6 freshman.
NEVADA, 78-59
Santa Clara* over Pacific by 8
Pacifics worst home loss in 15 seasons was 67-49 to Santa Clara a year ago when they
were struggling with many new players. But Santa Clara has started 5-2 SU despite
playing only one home game to date.
SANTA CLARA, 71-63
NBA
Wednesday, December 12
*Philadelphia over Minnesota by 4
The 76ers were 10-4 to the under when favored entering this month.
PHILADELPHIA 91-87
Dallas over *Toronto by 6
Look for the Mavericks to play higher going into December. Avery Johnson has
dumped his strategy of starting offensively-challenged center DeSagana Diop and his
host of point guards in favor of going more with Erick Dampier, Jason Terry and making
sure Dirk Nowitzki gets his full minutes every game.
DALLAS 109-103
*Indiana over Chicago by 7
The Bulls had covered only one of their first eight road contests and were 0-3 ATS this
season in the second of back-to-backs through Dec. 7.
INDIANA 111-104
**PREFFERED
*Charlotte over Los Angeles Clippers 12
Charlotte last played three days ago, while the Clippers are playing their third game in
four nights and second in 48 hours. Without Elton Brand, the Clippers have trouble
matching up against Emeka Okafor on the boards. The Clippers entered December
dropping seven of their past nine.
CHARLOTTE 103-91
*Boston over Sacramento by 13
This is the start of a five-game, seven-night road trip for the Kings. The Kings only
had one day to prepare for this road swing. The good news for Sacramento is the competition
gets easier after this matchup.
BOSTON 103-90
*New York over Seattle by 3
The worst of the east meets the worst of the west. The Sonics at least can be counted
on for an effort. The Knicks cant be taken seriously until they get rid of Isiah Thomas.
NEW YORK 105-102
*Houston over Detroit by 5
Houston gets the scheduling advantage with Detroit having played last night, mostly
like in up-tempo matchup against the Grizzlies. It?s also Detroits third game in four
nights. No Eastern club played Western Conference teams tougher last year than the
Pistons.
HOUSTON 95-90
**PREFERRED
Orlando over *Milwaukee by 11
The Magic concluded the first month with the best road mark in the NBA at 9-2 SU
and 10-1 ATS with their only road losses coming to the Spurs and Suns. The emergence
of Dwight Howard as perhaps the best low-post player in the league as opened
up the perimeter for sharpshooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Jameer Nelson
has been playing at a high level at point guard, too.
ORLANDO 107-96
*Denver over New Orleans by 2
The Hornets concluded November winning eight of their 10 road contests. Chris Paul
is one of the few guards now quicker than Allen Iverson.
DENVER 105-103
*Portland over Golden State by 1
Both teams played last night so be aware of possible letdowns if the Warriors should
knock off the Spurs at home, or the Trail Blazers upset the Jazz on the road. LaMarcus
Aldridge continues to play at a high level for Portland.
PORTLAND 109-108
*Phoenix over Utah by 5
This could be the highest-scoring game of the season with two of the top four offenses
going at it. The Suns scored 126 points on Utah when the teams last met back in
mid-April. The Jazz had won the previous three meetings last season by a combined
10 points.
PHOENIX 122-117
NCAAB
Wednesday, December 12
Penn State* over Princeton by 10
Maryland* over Ohio by 8
ACC refs will no doubt target Ohios big man Leon Williams early, so the challenges
for the ball-scoring visitor will be to keep Maryland out of the paint chasing down
their own bricks, then make enough threes.
Wisconsin over Wisconsin-Milwaukee* by 15
Offensive question marks of the Badgers are offset by their strong defensive system and
good rebounding, plus weak offense on the home team.
WISCONSIN, 64-49
Xavier* over Cincinnati by 10
Vanderbilt over DePaul* by 5
Boston College* over Massachusetts by 2
Colorado* over New Orleans by 1
**PREFERRED
Nevada* over San Diego by 21
San Diego first-season head coach Bill Grier was a Nevada assistant when the
Wolfpack embarrassed the Zags in an NCAA Tournament ballgame and that experience
is worth zero with his current blah team facing a different Nevada coach and a
different group of Nevada players who are struggling to find themselves but might
have found the right opponent for a temporary fix. San Diego?s leading rebounder
Pomare, at 6-7, is looking up to 6-11 Javale McGee, 6-9 DeMarshay Johnson and 7-
1 David Ellis of the home team and the next-biggest San Diego boarder is a 6-6 freshman.
NEVADA, 78-59
Santa Clara* over Pacific by 8
Pacifics worst home loss in 15 seasons was 67-49 to Santa Clara a year ago when they
were struggling with many new players. But Santa Clara has started 5-2 SU despite
playing only one home game to date.
SANTA CLARA, 71-63
Vegas Sports Experts
The VSE Hoops Power Play of the Day is:
Take Boston (-15) over Sacramento (NBA Power Play)
7:30 PM EST
The VSE Hoops Power Play of the Day is:
Take Boston (-15) over Sacramento (NBA Power Play)
7:30 PM EST
AL
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors plus the points over Dallas. Yesterday, Toronto defeated Atlanta 100-88, and PG T.J. Ford was injured.
At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors plus the points over Dallas. Yesterday, Toronto defeated Atlanta 100-88, and PG T.J. Ford was injured.
Big Al McMordie (COMP)
Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns (NBA)
Dec 12, 2007 10:35 PM EST
Play: Phoenix Suns
At 10:35 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Phoenix Suns over the struggling Utah Jazz, who have dropped four straight games. A big problem for Jerry Sloan's squad is its lack of defensive intensity, and that's not a good recipe for success against the league's most potent offensive team. The Jazz are also a horrific 3-24 ATS on the road since 1993, if they lost the previous night at thome, and are matched up against an opponent that has a win percentage greater than .540. Take Phoenix. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie
Marc Lawrence **COMP**
Cincinnati vs. Xavier (NCAAB)
Dec 12, 2007 7:00 PM EST
Play: Xavier
Play On: Xavier Note: Xavier hosts the Bearcats in a series that's seen the Musketeers go 9-3-1 ATS of late, including 6-1 SUATS with revenge. Back the X-men on this string home court tonight.
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors Dec 12 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
Reason: The Mavericks come into this one having won 2 straight games and the healthier of the two team's. Dallas has won 2 of their last 3 road games SU and ATS. Dallas is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games played on Wednesday's. Toronto got Bosh and Bargnani back in the lineup but Ford went down last night with a scary injury and he may miss significant time. The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Play on the Mavericks -.
John Fina
December 12, 2007
Selection: BYU (-)
Today Lamar will be on the road as they take on BYU. We will lay the points with BYU! To say the least, BYU should have no problem getting a blowout win against Lamer tonight. The keys to a BYU blowout victory comes down to their superior offense and defense. Lamar (on the road) is scoring an average of only 66 points per game, while BYU (at home) is scoring an average of 89.8 points per game. Lamar (on the road) is allowing opponents to score an average of 83 points per game, while BYU (at home) is allowing opponents to score an average of only 65 points per game. It's also good to note that Lamer is winless on the road this season, while BYU is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home games. Lay the points! Take BYU
Bobby Maxwell
After winning six of seven and covering the number seven straight times, the Magic went home and dropped two games in a row to the Pacers and Hawks as big favorites
But no worries here though as the Magic get back on the road and will score a 10-point win in Milwaukee. Orlando has won four of its last five on the road and covered five straight. This team looked very comfortable on its West Coast road trip and will get some of that unity back as it goes back on the road for four of its next five.
The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine games and just 2-7 ATS in those nine. This team is going nowhere in a hurry.
Orlando has won five of six overall against the Bucks and gone 6-2 ATS in the last eight against Milwaukee. We're going with the Magic tonight as they are 21-6-1 ATS in the last 28 overall. They'll improve on this record against Milwaukee.
2♦ ORLANDO
Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns (NBA)
Dec 12, 2007 10:35 PM EST
Play: Phoenix Suns
At 10:35 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Phoenix Suns over the struggling Utah Jazz, who have dropped four straight games. A big problem for Jerry Sloan's squad is its lack of defensive intensity, and that's not a good recipe for success against the league's most potent offensive team. The Jazz are also a horrific 3-24 ATS on the road since 1993, if they lost the previous night at thome, and are matched up against an opponent that has a win percentage greater than .540. Take Phoenix. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie
Marc Lawrence **COMP**
Cincinnati vs. Xavier (NCAAB)
Dec 12, 2007 7:00 PM EST
Play: Xavier
Play On: Xavier Note: Xavier hosts the Bearcats in a series that's seen the Musketeers go 9-3-1 ATS of late, including 6-1 SUATS with revenge. Back the X-men on this string home court tonight.
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors Dec 12 2007 7:05PM
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
Reason: The Mavericks come into this one having won 2 straight games and the healthier of the two team's. Dallas has won 2 of their last 3 road games SU and ATS. Dallas is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games played on Wednesday's. Toronto got Bosh and Bargnani back in the lineup but Ford went down last night with a scary injury and he may miss significant time. The Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. Play on the Mavericks -.
John Fina
December 12, 2007
Selection: BYU (-)
Today Lamar will be on the road as they take on BYU. We will lay the points with BYU! To say the least, BYU should have no problem getting a blowout win against Lamer tonight. The keys to a BYU blowout victory comes down to their superior offense and defense. Lamar (on the road) is scoring an average of only 66 points per game, while BYU (at home) is scoring an average of 89.8 points per game. Lamar (on the road) is allowing opponents to score an average of 83 points per game, while BYU (at home) is allowing opponents to score an average of only 65 points per game. It's also good to note that Lamer is winless on the road this season, while BYU is 12-4 ATS in their last 16 home games. Lay the points! Take BYU
Bobby Maxwell
After winning six of seven and covering the number seven straight times, the Magic went home and dropped two games in a row to the Pacers and Hawks as big favorites
But no worries here though as the Magic get back on the road and will score a 10-point win in Milwaukee. Orlando has won four of its last five on the road and covered five straight. This team looked very comfortable on its West Coast road trip and will get some of that unity back as it goes back on the road for four of its next five.
The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine games and just 2-7 ATS in those nine. This team is going nowhere in a hurry.
Orlando has won five of six overall against the Bucks and gone 6-2 ATS in the last eight against Milwaukee. We're going with the Magic tonight as they are 21-6-1 ATS in the last 28 overall. They'll improve on this record against Milwaukee.
2♦ ORLANDO
0-2 yesterday
Michael Cannon
Wednesday's Plays...
10 Dime ?
BOBCATS
Lay the points with the Bobcats tonight when they host the Clippers.
Charlotte comes into this game well rested having last played three days ago and should be able to control both the tempo and the boards tonight.
That?s because with Elton Brand out, the Clippers have trouble matching up with Emeka Okafor. Los Angeles is also playing its third game in four nights and second in 48 hours.
With all the injuries the Clippers have this is a rare opportunity for the Bobcats to shine in the role as a favorite.
Lay the points with the Bobcats as they grab the home win and cover.
5 Dime ?
MAGIC
Lay the small number with Orlando tonight on the road over Milwaukee.
The Magic have been one of the best road teams in the NBA this year and I expect them to bounce back here after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this season. They are 11-2 on the road and getting away from home just might be the best thing for them to break out of their mini slump.
Dwight Howard is one of the best low-post players in the league and it?s helped to open up the perimeter for Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu.
Lay the points as the Magic grab the road win and cover.
OHIO
Take the points with Ohio tonight when they travel to take on Maryland.
This is by no means going to be an easy task for Ohio on the road in ACC land, but Maryland is not the best shooting team out there which should allow the Bobcats to keep it close with their perimeter shooting.
Senior forward Leon Williams should control the paint for Ohio. He?s playing aggressively and controlled on the offensive end, averaging 18.2 ppg while shooting 62 percent from the field.
The Bobcats have a deep bench which will help them to stay fresh and keep Maryland from going on any extended runs.
Take the points with Ohio as they stay within the number on the road.
CINCINNATI
Take the big number with Cincinnati tonight when they face in-state rival Xavier.
Now Cincinnati is not a very good team. In fact, they?ll probably finish at the bottom of the Big East standings this year.
But this isn?t the Big East and this is a nasty rivalry, so don?t be surprised to see UC bringing their very best tonight.
It?s always a risky proposition laying this many points in a rivalry game. Just ask West Virginia. They were 28-point favorites over Pitt playing at home with a trip to the national championship on the line.
The Mountaineers wound up losing outright to a super motivated Panthers squad.
My point is determination and focus can more than make up for the lack of talent a team might have.
The underdog is 8-0 ATS in this rivalry the last eight years. Xavier is also mired in a 1-5 ATS slump against the Big East. UC has cashed in four of its last five against A-10 foes.
Take the points as Cincinnati stays within the number on the road tonight.
Michael Cannon
Wednesday's Plays...
10 Dime ?
BOBCATS
Lay the points with the Bobcats tonight when they host the Clippers.
Charlotte comes into this game well rested having last played three days ago and should be able to control both the tempo and the boards tonight.
That?s because with Elton Brand out, the Clippers have trouble matching up with Emeka Okafor. Los Angeles is also playing its third game in four nights and second in 48 hours.
With all the injuries the Clippers have this is a rare opportunity for the Bobcats to shine in the role as a favorite.
Lay the points with the Bobcats as they grab the home win and cover.
5 Dime ?
MAGIC
Lay the small number with Orlando tonight on the road over Milwaukee.
The Magic have been one of the best road teams in the NBA this year and I expect them to bounce back here after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this season. They are 11-2 on the road and getting away from home just might be the best thing for them to break out of their mini slump.
Dwight Howard is one of the best low-post players in the league and it?s helped to open up the perimeter for Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu.
Lay the points as the Magic grab the road win and cover.
OHIO
Take the points with Ohio tonight when they travel to take on Maryland.
This is by no means going to be an easy task for Ohio on the road in ACC land, but Maryland is not the best shooting team out there which should allow the Bobcats to keep it close with their perimeter shooting.
Senior forward Leon Williams should control the paint for Ohio. He?s playing aggressively and controlled on the offensive end, averaging 18.2 ppg while shooting 62 percent from the field.
The Bobcats have a deep bench which will help them to stay fresh and keep Maryland from going on any extended runs.
Take the points with Ohio as they stay within the number on the road.
CINCINNATI
Take the big number with Cincinnati tonight when they face in-state rival Xavier.
Now Cincinnati is not a very good team. In fact, they?ll probably finish at the bottom of the Big East standings this year.
But this isn?t the Big East and this is a nasty rivalry, so don?t be surprised to see UC bringing their very best tonight.
It?s always a risky proposition laying this many points in a rivalry game. Just ask West Virginia. They were 28-point favorites over Pitt playing at home with a trip to the national championship on the line.
The Mountaineers wound up losing outright to a super motivated Panthers squad.
My point is determination and focus can more than make up for the lack of talent a team might have.
The underdog is 8-0 ATS in this rivalry the last eight years. Xavier is also mired in a 1-5 ATS slump against the Big East. UC has cashed in four of its last five against A-10 foes.
Take the points as Cincinnati stays within the number on the road tonight.
comps
Minnesota (+8) at PHILADELPHIA
By Karl Garrett, Featured Handicapper
The G-Man gave you Portland last night as they won outirght in the underdog role. Another underdog play tonight for free as I look to improve on my 12-6 comp play mark the last 18 days.
Go with Minnesota plus the points at Philadelphia tonight. The Timberwolves were just stomped by the Wizards in Washington their last time out, but prior to that loss, they had bested Phoenix outright at home, and were very close to upsetting the Hawks down in Atlanta as the 9-point dog.
Expect Minny to be inside of this number, as Philadelphia's current 3-game win and cover streak has bumped this line up a little too high for the 76ers to cover with authority.
Yes, Philly will get the outirght win, but to ask them to cover almost double-digits seems to tall an order tonight.
Grab the points and the underdog in this one!
1♦ MINNESOTA
Orlando (-3') at MILWAUKEE
By Joel Tyson, Featured Handicapper
The surprise start Orlando Magic take their show to the road tonight, and head in to do battle with the Milwaukee Bucks. The way the Magic were rolling before losing their last two I have no problem laying what I sincerely believe is a small number, as I feel they will turn things around against this stumbling Bucks team.
The Bucks have lost four straight and will have to try to avoid losing a season high five straight against this Magic team that is a league best 11-2 on the road this year.
Play the Magic to get rolling again.
2♦ ORLANDO
Orlando (-3') at MILWAUKEE
By Bobby Maxwell, Featured Handicapper
For today's FREE play we head to Milwaukee for a complimentary selection on the Magic as they take on the Bucks.
After winning six of seven and covering the number seven straight times, the Magic went home and dropped two games in a row to the Pacers and Hawks as big favorites.
But no worries here though as the Magic get back on the road and will score a 10-point win in Milwaukee. Orlando has won four of its last five on the road and covered five straight. This team looked very comfortable on its West Coast road trip and will get some of that unity back as it goes back on the road for four of its next five.
The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine games and just 2-7 ATS in those nine. This team is going nowhere in a hurry.
Orlando has won five of six overall against the Bucks and gone 6-2 ATS in the last eight against Milwaukee. We're going with the Magic tonight as they are 21-6-1 ATS in the last 28 overall. They'll improve on this record against Milwaukee.
2♦ ORLANDO
comps
San Diego at NEVADA (-8')
By Michael Cannon, Featured Handicapper
Utah loses outright last night and drops my free play record to 11-8-1 with my last 20 releases.
Lay the points with Nevada tonight when they host San Diego.
There is a big size disparity in this game with San Diego's leading rebounder listed at 6-7.
That won't matchup well with a Nevada froncourt that boasts 6-11 Javale McGee, 6-9 DeMarshay Johnson and 7-1 David Ellis.
Nevada has struggled somewhat trying to find themselves in the early going, but tonight offers them an opportunity for a temporary fix.
San Diego is nothing special offensively and probably won't be able to stop Nevada from slowly pulling away as the game goes on.
Lay the points as Nevada grabs the home win and cover.
2♦ NEVADA
San Diego (+8) at NEVADA
By Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
We gave you another winner last night on the Bulls to make it a 24-12 comp play run the last 36 days!
Tonight we have a college underdog play, as we believe the public and the linemakers are still caught up in this Nevada team, even though the Wolfpacks best two players have moved on to the next level. Both Nick Fazekas, and Ramon Sessions are in the NBA, and the 'Pack are struggling to find their indentity this season without them, as they are only 3-4 for the year, and just 2-4 against the spread in games with a line!
San Diego is a team on the uptick, as they won 18-games last year, have plenty of returning talent, and also have a new head coach to boot!
The Toreros are a perfect 5-0 against the spread on the road this year, and 7-3 overall against the spread as they are off to a 5-6 start and looking to even their ledger at .500 with the road win tonight.
They may not get the outright, but we do like them to get the cover.
Play on Diego!
5♦ SAN DIEGO
Minnesota (+8) at PHILADELPHIA
By Karl Garrett, Featured Handicapper
The G-Man gave you Portland last night as they won outirght in the underdog role. Another underdog play tonight for free as I look to improve on my 12-6 comp play mark the last 18 days.
Go with Minnesota plus the points at Philadelphia tonight. The Timberwolves were just stomped by the Wizards in Washington their last time out, but prior to that loss, they had bested Phoenix outright at home, and were very close to upsetting the Hawks down in Atlanta as the 9-point dog.
Expect Minny to be inside of this number, as Philadelphia's current 3-game win and cover streak has bumped this line up a little too high for the 76ers to cover with authority.
Yes, Philly will get the outirght win, but to ask them to cover almost double-digits seems to tall an order tonight.
Grab the points and the underdog in this one!
1♦ MINNESOTA
Orlando (-3') at MILWAUKEE
By Joel Tyson, Featured Handicapper
The surprise start Orlando Magic take their show to the road tonight, and head in to do battle with the Milwaukee Bucks. The way the Magic were rolling before losing their last two I have no problem laying what I sincerely believe is a small number, as I feel they will turn things around against this stumbling Bucks team.
The Bucks have lost four straight and will have to try to avoid losing a season high five straight against this Magic team that is a league best 11-2 on the road this year.
Play the Magic to get rolling again.
2♦ ORLANDO
Orlando (-3') at MILWAUKEE
By Bobby Maxwell, Featured Handicapper
For today's FREE play we head to Milwaukee for a complimentary selection on the Magic as they take on the Bucks.
After winning six of seven and covering the number seven straight times, the Magic went home and dropped two games in a row to the Pacers and Hawks as big favorites.
But no worries here though as the Magic get back on the road and will score a 10-point win in Milwaukee. Orlando has won four of its last five on the road and covered five straight. This team looked very comfortable on its West Coast road trip and will get some of that unity back as it goes back on the road for four of its next five.
The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine games and just 2-7 ATS in those nine. This team is going nowhere in a hurry.
Orlando has won five of six overall against the Bucks and gone 6-2 ATS in the last eight against Milwaukee. We're going with the Magic tonight as they are 21-6-1 ATS in the last 28 overall. They'll improve on this record against Milwaukee.
2♦ ORLANDO
comps
San Diego at NEVADA (-8')
By Michael Cannon, Featured Handicapper
Utah loses outright last night and drops my free play record to 11-8-1 with my last 20 releases.
Lay the points with Nevada tonight when they host San Diego.
There is a big size disparity in this game with San Diego's leading rebounder listed at 6-7.
That won't matchup well with a Nevada froncourt that boasts 6-11 Javale McGee, 6-9 DeMarshay Johnson and 7-1 David Ellis.
Nevada has struggled somewhat trying to find themselves in the early going, but tonight offers them an opportunity for a temporary fix.
San Diego is nothing special offensively and probably won't be able to stop Nevada from slowly pulling away as the game goes on.
Lay the points as Nevada grabs the home win and cover.
2♦ NEVADA
San Diego (+8) at NEVADA
By Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
We gave you another winner last night on the Bulls to make it a 24-12 comp play run the last 36 days!
Tonight we have a college underdog play, as we believe the public and the linemakers are still caught up in this Nevada team, even though the Wolfpacks best two players have moved on to the next level. Both Nick Fazekas, and Ramon Sessions are in the NBA, and the 'Pack are struggling to find their indentity this season without them, as they are only 3-4 for the year, and just 2-4 against the spread in games with a line!
San Diego is a team on the uptick, as they won 18-games last year, have plenty of returning talent, and also have a new head coach to boot!
The Toreros are a perfect 5-0 against the spread on the road this year, and 7-3 overall against the spread as they are off to a 5-6 start and looking to even their ledger at .500 with the road win tonight.
They may not get the outright, but we do like them to get the cover.
Play on Diego!
5♦ SAN DIEGO
Matt Rivers
100,000* NBA DOG ROCKS Plus Bonus Lock
Your winners here are on:
1. 100,000 *Bulls
2. 50,000 * Magic
1. Chicago has had a rough rough start to the season thanks a lot in part to all of the trade rumors regarding Kobe Bryant going to the Windy City but things have been a little better of late and this Chicago team still has a ton of talent and will really get things going today. Grab the points but I really do think this visitor will get the win!
Scott Skiles' squad has a ton of talent and are extremely undervalued right now because of the slow start. They have stars like Luol Deng and Ben Gordon and other very very good players including Andres Nocioni, Ben Wallace and Kirk Hinrich. These guys have a much higher upside than the mediocre at the very best Pacers.
Indiana has been playing fairly well and just won in Orlando in half a shocker. They have a very good player and former All-Star in Jermaine O'Neal and a few other guys but all in all the Pacers are just not nearly as talented as da Bulls and to not have to lay anything, even on the road, with Chicago is a flat out steal. Both teams are on the back-to-back with travel and with more depth on the Bulls this is not a bad thing for us. It may not be a true advantage but it is not bad.
Chicago is still a 50 plus win type of a club whereas the Pacers are a .500 type squad. This game is just the epitome of a value as one team in undervalued and one is overvalued. As I say often, the road is never easy and we are the visitor here but this game is still way too good to pass up, period!
2. Orlando has all of a sudden lost two in a row games for the first time this season but they still boast an absolute superstar in Dwight Howard and should get back on the horse and take care of business once again here. The road has not been a problem at all for Orlando as they have already been away from home for pretty much the entire season and just dominated everybody, except the Suns, on a grueling West coast swing which proves this teams' mettle.
I am a fan of Milwaukee and do believe they are a talented club with a star in Michael Redd along with Mo Williams, Charlie Villaneuva, Andrew Bogut, Yi and others but these guys are back home after their West coast swing which was not great and capped by the miserable fourth quarter and loss in Sacramento on Monday night. Normally the first game back home is never favorable as it seems to always take a game to get things back in stride thanks to the travel and fatigue factors.
Orlando is the clear better team and will have to play with some urgency here after the surprising losses to Indiana and Atlanta. The road has been kind so far for the Magic and I don't see anything changing here as a third straight loss is just not in the cards!
100,000* NBA DOG ROCKS Plus Bonus Lock
Your winners here are on:
1. 100,000 *Bulls
2. 50,000 * Magic
1. Chicago has had a rough rough start to the season thanks a lot in part to all of the trade rumors regarding Kobe Bryant going to the Windy City but things have been a little better of late and this Chicago team still has a ton of talent and will really get things going today. Grab the points but I really do think this visitor will get the win!
Scott Skiles' squad has a ton of talent and are extremely undervalued right now because of the slow start. They have stars like Luol Deng and Ben Gordon and other very very good players including Andres Nocioni, Ben Wallace and Kirk Hinrich. These guys have a much higher upside than the mediocre at the very best Pacers.
Indiana has been playing fairly well and just won in Orlando in half a shocker. They have a very good player and former All-Star in Jermaine O'Neal and a few other guys but all in all the Pacers are just not nearly as talented as da Bulls and to not have to lay anything, even on the road, with Chicago is a flat out steal. Both teams are on the back-to-back with travel and with more depth on the Bulls this is not a bad thing for us. It may not be a true advantage but it is not bad.
Chicago is still a 50 plus win type of a club whereas the Pacers are a .500 type squad. This game is just the epitome of a value as one team in undervalued and one is overvalued. As I say often, the road is never easy and we are the visitor here but this game is still way too good to pass up, period!
2. Orlando has all of a sudden lost two in a row games for the first time this season but they still boast an absolute superstar in Dwight Howard and should get back on the horse and take care of business once again here. The road has not been a problem at all for Orlando as they have already been away from home for pretty much the entire season and just dominated everybody, except the Suns, on a grueling West coast swing which proves this teams' mettle.
I am a fan of Milwaukee and do believe they are a talented club with a star in Michael Redd along with Mo Williams, Charlie Villaneuva, Andrew Bogut, Yi and others but these guys are back home after their West coast swing which was not great and capped by the miserable fourth quarter and loss in Sacramento on Monday night. Normally the first game back home is never favorable as it seems to always take a game to get things back in stride thanks to the travel and fatigue factors.
Orlando is the clear better team and will have to play with some urgency here after the surprising losses to Indiana and Atlanta. The road has been kind so far for the Magic and I don't see anything changing here as a third straight loss is just not in the cards!
